Shopping for the Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier?
We are going to help you pick the right one.
While your crawl space is serving as a buffer between your house and the damp earth below, it is imperative that you know that moisture build-up is not just bad for your house but your crawl space too. It not only helps mold and mildew to thrive but also encourages wood rot.
That’s why it is crucial to keep it dry and prevent moisture from building up. A dehumidifier is a perfect solution to this problem.
In this article, we have listed some of the best crawl space dehumidifiers to help you choose a suitable one for yourself.
When Do You Need a Crawl Space Dehumidifier?
Sure, you have heard of dehumidifiers for homes – many homeowners use them to keep their houses dry and air moisture levels under control.
But crawl space dehumidifiers are a relatively new concept. Many people still don’t know that they exist. Yet, they are a must-have if you have a crawl space beneath your house. Here’s why:
Unpleasant Smell
Have you ever experienced unpleasant smells near the air vents of your house? If yes, chances are your crawl space needs a good cleaning and dehumidifying.
Being busy with tight schedules, most homeowners find it difficult to maintain their crawl spaces, leading to access moisture build-up and resulting in unpleasant odors making their way up to your house via air vents.
A good crawl space dehumidifier can help you in this regard. It will remove all the excess moisture from the area, keeping it dry and odor-free.
Mold and Mildew infestation
Mold and mildew spores are carried everywhere with air. A humid crawl space serves as the perfect breeding ground for them. It allows them to thrive and prosper, risking not only your health but also the structural integrity of your house.
A good crawl space dehumidifier is your best bet if you want to eliminate the threat.
Respiratory Issues
If you or someone from your family is suffering from respiratory issues, but you cannot pinpoint the cause, chances are the extra moisture in your crawl space is the culprit.
Dust mites or other pathogens that may be thriving in there could be seeping from there into the air you are breathing in, making you sick.
You need a reliable crawl space dehumidifier to address this issue as well.
Pest Invasion
Pests like cockroaches, silverfish, termites, and spiders are common crawl space invaders. If they find a favorable environment in your crawl space, they are also likely to invade your home as well.
To keep them at bay, you need to make sure your crawl space remains clean and dry, which is possible with a crawl space dehumidifier.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Engineered to extract up to 17 gallons of moisture
- Has an area coverage of 2,000 Sq. ft
- Features a high-quality display panel with integrated controls
- Equipped with a Rare Earth Alloy Tube Evaporator
- Has an Energy Star certification for energy-efficient performance
- MERV-8 filter protects internal components
- Boasts a high Coefficient of Performance (COP)
- Sealed and watertight
- Extremely low-maintenance unit
What’s In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
In this buying guide, we have presented the best crawl space dehumidifiers currently available. It starts with the list of our top picks, followed by a comparison table and a detailed review of each unit.
There is also a comprehensive shopping guide and some frequently asked questions to help you pick the perfect unit.
Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers
- Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier for Large Spaces: DRI EAZ F413 Revolution
- Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier for Small Spaces: AlorAir Sentinel HD55
- Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump: ALORAIR Storm LGR
- Best Energy Star Rated Crawl Space Dehumidifier: Aprilaire E100 Pro
DRI EAZ F413 Revolution
Category
Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier for Large SpacesDimensions
12.5 x 21.5 x 12.5 inchesWeight
65 PoundsMoisture Removal Capacity
Up to 17 gallonsCoverage Area
2,000 Sq. ftPower Consumption
713 wattsOperating Temperature Range
33°F to 100°FEnergy Star
NoPump
YesWarranty
6 years
AlorAir Sentinel HD55
Category
Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier for Small SpacesDimensions
11.81 x 17.72 x 11.81 inchesWeight
26 KilogramsMoisture Removal Capacity
120 pintsCoverage Area
1,300 Sq. ftPower Consumption
595 wattsOperating Temperature Range
36°F to 104°FEnergy Star
YesPump
NoWarranty
5 years
ALORAIR Storm LGR
Category
Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier with PumpDimensions
22.8 x 13.7 x 17.3 inchesWeight
78 PoundsMoisture Removal Capacity
180 pintsCoverage Area
Up to 2,300 Sq. ftPower Consumption
640 wattsOperating Temperature Range
33. 8°F to 104°FEnergy Star
NoPump
YesWarranty
5 years
Aprilaire E100 Pro
Category
Best Energy Star Rated Crawl Space DehumidifierDimensions
34 x 15.42 x 17.1 inchesWeight
64 PoundsMoisture Removal Capacity
100 pintsCoverage Area
5,500 sq. ftPower Consumption
Not SpecifiedOperating Temperature Range
50°F to 104°FEnergy Star
YesPump
OptionalWarranty
5 years
The DRI EAZ Revolution packs the advanced LGR technology in its compact body. This professional-grade dehumidifier has a high area coverage and moisture removal capacity. It also saves space and is easy to transport, making it a viable option for you to check out.
PROS
- Professional-grade yet quite simple to use
- Ruggedly build and expertly engineered
- Boasts an impressive operating temperature range
- Built-in condensate pump facilitates continuous operation
- Simple and pretty easy to maintain
CONS
- Does not support remote control operation
- Considerably expensive
Features
- Engineered to extract up to 17 gallons of moisture
- Has an area coverage of 2,000 Sq. ft
- Features a high-quality display panel with integrated controls
- The display is back-lit for easier operation
- Digital humidistat helps in effectively regulate humidity
Our Review
The F413 Revolution is a powerful dehumidifier that can easily rid your crawl space of all dampness-related problems. It does what it is designed to do: extract moisture and discard it as soon as possible. It does so more efficiently because of its LGR technology.
Low Grain Refrigerant (LGR) is a new technology, which allows the device to pre-cool the air, so the moisture separates faster. Because of this, the Revolution can easily dry out your crawl space faster and more thoroughly.
It is quite simple to operate, thanks to the digital display located on the chassis. It features integrated controls, so you adjust the settings easily. It also has a backlight so you can read the display even if it is completely dark.
It also allows you to choose between four different languages. So, if English is not your first language, you can pick out the one you understand better.
This dehumidifier model from AlorAir is our top recommendation for smaller crawl spaces. Its compact size allows it to fit inside small spaces. And the quality construction and components make it a powerful device with brilliant features.
PROS
- Delivers powerful performance without consuming lots of energy
- Compact and lightweight
- Features advanced controls like water protection and timer
- Boasts noiseless operation at 52dB
- Supports remote control operation
CONS
- No condensate pump
- The remote control is sold separately
Features
- Engineered to extract up to 17 gallons of moisture
- Has an area coverage of 2,000 Sq. ft
- Features a high-quality display panel with integrated controls
- The display is back-lit for easier operation
- Digital humidistat helps in effectively regulate humidity
Our Review
This is one of the highest-rated models for several features. For starters, it is a highly effective machine that can operate over a wide range of temperatures.
It features a reliable defrosting function for low-temperature operation, which prevents the dehumidifier from freezing up. It utilizes epoxy coating, which makes its interior corrosion-resistant. This feature also prevents the refrigerant from leaking out.
It features a MERV-8 filter for further protection. It prevents eternal particles from entering the machine and ruining the sensitive internal components.
There is also a G3 filter that reduces odors and ensures silent operation. Even if it is running in close proximity, you will only hear the sound of rushing air which is not irksome.
Although it does not have a condensate pump for water removal, it comes with a drain hose for continuous drainage. It also supports remote control operation, but here’s the catch: you have to buy the controller separately.
It can run continuously for 24 hours. After that, the auto-shutoff clicks in, and the device automatically turns off.
AlorAir has been designing and manufacturing quality commercial dehumidifiers for years. But with the Storm LGR, they have pulled all stops and came up with a powerful device that is useful for both residential and commercial restoration purposes.
PROS
- Can be submerged in water
- You can hang it up on the ceiling
- It comes with a drain pump, hose, and a humidistat
- Boasts hot gas valve defrosting system
- Backed with a long 5-year warranty
CONS
- Additional accessories sold separately
- Taller than most crawl space dehumidifiers
Features
- Boasts a high Coefficient of Performance (COP)
- Sealed and watertight
- Extremely low-maintenance unit
- MERV-8 filter keeps most pollutants out
- Features epoxy powder coats on coils
Our Review
The storm is a commercial dehumidifier designed to handle water and flood damage restoration. This will give you an idea of how effective this unit is.
It is compact yet one of the toughest models out there. It is not only waterproof, but it also features epoxy powder coating on its coil to make it sturdy and reliable.
It can operate over a wide range of temperatures thanks to its auto-defrost function. There is a hot gas valve in there which assists with faster defrosting.
With all these tough features and commercial design, you will assume it to be noisy. However, it is one of the quietest crawl space dehumidifier models sold today. Its operating noise is less than 58 dB, so it is almost noiseless.
We really like it for its low maintenance too. It features a MERV-8 filter that sieves the air entering the device to remove dust particles and other larger contaminants from damaging the delicate circuitry or other internal components.
This filter is also washable, so you won’t need to replace it very often.
Aprilaire is a reputable brand known for its innovative indoor air quality solutions. The E100 is a new addition to their product lineup, and it contains the best features from their previous lineup. It is a quality unit that ensures better air quality in your crawl space and, eventually, your home.
PROS
- Ruggedly built for longer life
- Aluminum coils are corrosion resistant
- Removes up to 100 pints of moisture per day
- Requires annual filter cleaning or replacement
- Levelling feet make it easy to set up
CONS
- Lacks remotes control operations
- It comes without a drain pump
Features
- Energy Star rated for minimal power consumption
- Keeps relative humidity below 60%
- Prevents mold, termites, structural wood rot, etc. in a sealed crawl space
- Drain hose enables continuous operation
- Simple and easy to set up
Our Review
The Aprilaire E100 dehumidifier is actually a whole-house dehumidifier with a very high area coverage. Inside its compact body, it houses powerful components that can handle the dampness around your entire home, let alone the crawl space.
You can use it as a standalone appliance or hook it to the ductwork of your HVAC system. The powerful device will rid your home of excess moisture within no time.
The device is fairly simple and easy to use. This is mainly because the control panel can be mounted on the top or front of the unit. You can choose the location and install the control panel for easier access.
The controls are also very simple to understand, while the interactive display makes them easy to administer.
Although the device does not have a built-in drain pump, it does come with a drain hose that you can use for continuous water expulsion. If the dehumidifier fails to collect water, you can use the levelling feet to adjust the water flow direction for easier draining.
It is also designed with durability in mind. It features corrosion-resistant aluminum coils, quality manufacturing, and a robust exterior for longer life. It is even backed with a five-year warranty for quality assurance.
Crawl Space Dehumidifier Buying Guide
What are Crawl Space Dehumidifiers – and How do They Work?
A dedicated crawl space dehumidifier works in the same way as its regular residential counterpart. Such dehumidifiers have a fan and an internal compressor for this purpose.
It draws humid air inside itself with the help of a fan. This humid air passes over a cooling coil inside the compressor, cooling it down to condense the extra moisture out of the air.
The water collected after condensation either goes to a built-in reservoir or out of the machine via an exit line. The air is then reheated and blown out back to the room.
Why Buy a Crawl Space Dehumidifier Versus Other Types?
This is the first question that comes to the mind of any buyer. Here’s why a dedicated crawl space dehumidifier is superior to other types.
Compact Size
Dedicated crawl space dehumidifiers are generally quite compact in size. Considering they are designed to work in a small space, they cannot be big or bulky. Other types of dehumidifiers, especially residential models, are bigger and bulkier, so installing one in a crawl space is difficult.
Higher Capacity
The moisture content in a crawl space is significantly higher than in any other part of the house. That’s why you need a device with a high moisture removal capacity.
Unfortunately, not all dehumidifier types have that. That’s why you should get a dedicated crawl space dehumidifier because their moisture removal capacity is higher than their counterparts.
Superior Construction
Not all dehumidifiers are built the same. For example, a residential dehumidifier designed to function indoors won’t be able to handle extreme crawl space conditions.
You need a rugged unit that can handle the moist environment and function optimally without any difficulty. That’s why you should prioritize crawl space dehumidifiers over other types.
Continuous Drainage
While other dehumidifier types store extracted water in their built-in water reservoirs, crawl space dehumidifiers have an exit line that allows them to expel the water outside without you having to intervene.
You can set them to work and leave them unattended, which is not possible with other dehumidifier types.
What to Look for in a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Surely there is no shortage of dehumidifier models that you can use for your crawl space. However, not all units are constructed to work optimally in such cramped spaces and harsh conditions. Here are some crucial points for finding the best crawl space dehumidifier:
Coverage Area
The first thing you should consider outside of your budget is the coverage area of a dehumidifier.
Now, most crawl space dehumidifiers can easily cover any area above 1,000 sq. ft. But you should know that units that can cover larger areas are also larger in size. And they will also consume more energy. It’s better to size your crawl space and its humidity levels to decide what unit to purchase.
Air Flow
Airflow rate is the measurement of the amount of air a dehumidifier can process in a certain period. In other words, it refers to the device’s capacity to renew the air-the higher the airflow rate, the more effective the dehumidifier.
A device with a high rating can quickly exchange the humid air for dry air, improving the air quality quickly. Look for such a model to keep your crawl space dry and maintained.
Ground Level
Ground level refers to the depth of your crawl space inside the ground. The deeper it sits, the higher its moisture content will be. So, when choosing between different crawl space dehumidifiers, keep your ground level in mind to pick out a suitable one for yourself.
Noise Levels
Noise levels are an important consideration in a dehumidifier. If you are used to residential dehumidifiers, you will be surprised at how noisy a dedicated crawl space dehumidifier can be.
Of course, the noise level varies from model to model. Your goal is to find a machine that emits the lowest noise without compromising on performance.
Placement also plays an important role here as these units operate continuously, so you wouldn’t want it under your bedroom.
Humidistat/Condensate Pumps
Both humidistat and condensate are essential for a crawl space dehumidifier. These units run continuously without supervision, so a humidistat is necessary to monitor humidity levels.
Once you set it to the desired range, the device will continue to work until that goal is reached. Some even turn back on when the levels change again.
Similarly, a unit with a built-in water reservoir works as long as the bucket has capacity. Once it is full, the device will cease to function unless you empty it.
But with a condensate pump, the device will automatically expel the condensate outside with the help of a hose or tube. Hence, a device with a built-in condensate pump is a better option.
Defrost
When the temperature drops, the water extracted from the air can freeze on the condensate coil, which can result in ice building up inside the machine, causing it to freeze up.
To aid such a situation, some dehumidifiers come with an auto-defrost function. They have a sensor that detects the formation of ice on the cooling coil. It triggers a switch that turns off the compressor but lets the fan run so the air from the crawl space can speed up the thawing process.
If you plan to use your crawl space dehumidifier during winter as well, look for a model with a defrost function.
Remote Control
While not all crawl space dehumidifiers support remote control operation, having one that does surely makes your life easier. Trust us when we say that nothing is more inconvenient than having to crawl into your crawl space to operate the dehumidifier.
Having a remote control allows you to adjust it without having to get up. Yes, it is not a common feature, but it is something you should look for.
Filtration
Filtration is a feature you will find in most, if not all, high-quality dehumidifiers. Even dedicated industrial-grade units have a MERV filter to remove various particles and allergens from the air. Once the filter becomes clogged, you will have to replace it to continue getting clean air.
Keep all of this in mind and choose a model with a longer filter life so you won’t have to change it very often.
Energy Efficiency
Since you will be running it for longer periods, you should look for a dehumidifier that consumes minimal energy. While weighing different options, look for an Energy Star-rated device. Such units are proven to consume 15% less energy than regular devices.
Maintenance Costs
Just like any other electronic device, crawl space dehumidifiers also need regular maintenance, even more so because of the rough working environments.
Therefore, you should look for a unit that requires minimal maintenance and that too after a while. And since these devices don’t come cheap, you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money on their frequent maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Air rises up naturally. Because of this stack effect, the air in your crawl space rises and enters into the living areas of your house. Unfortunately, it also brings with it many airborne particles, including moisture and allergens.
Using a dehumidifier in your crawl space greatly helps improve your indoor air quality. This is just one of the many benefits of a reliable crawl space dehumidifier. However, they have a few cons, too.
Pros
Prevent Allergies
As mentioned earlier, using a crawl space dehumidifier helps improve the indoor air quality of your house. It ensures optimum humidity around your house and prevents allergens from threatening your health.
It helps you avoid some common allergy symptoms like headache, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.
Pest Control
A crawl space dehumidifier not only protects your health; it also protects your home from becoming a breeding ground for pests.
It is believed that pests cause more damage to a home than storms or fire. By reducing the moisture from your crawl space, a dehumidifier protects your home from a pest invasion.
Maintain Structural Integrity
If the humidity levels in a crawl space exceed more than 70%, it can lead to wood rot. Wood rot occurs when water condenses on the wood and damages it.
When wood in the crawl space starts to rot, it cannot hold the weight of your hose, endangering its integrity. Placing a dehumidifier in a crawl space ensures your house stays upright and safe.
Increase Your Comfort
High humidity causes you to feel hot and sticky. Increasing the air conditioning in such situations not only jacks up your energy bill but also makes you feel cold and clammy.
Using a dehumidifier in your crawl space maintains optimum humidity around your home, making you feel comfortable without increasing your utility bills unnecessarily.
Cons
Cannot Kill or Remove Mold
Contrary to what some people may believe, a dehumidifier cannot kill a mold infestation already present in the crawl space. Their primary function is to remove excess moisture from the air.
It will surely stop new mold colonies from developing but cannot do anything against an already thriving colony. It’s better that you remove it before using the machine because the dry air it produces will actually spread new spores around the area.
Can Put a Burden on Your Budget
If you want to maintain your crawl space in good shape, you will have to keep your dehumidifier running. This means more energy consumption and higher bills.
However, not all models have this con. Some Energy Star-rated units consume less energy, so running them continuously is not a problem.
Expensive
Compared to the other dehumidifier types available in the market, a crawl space dehumidifier is somewhat expensive. That’s because such units are ruggedly built and can work in stressful conditions.
Cleaning and Maintenance
A dehumidifier is an important appliance for an indoor confined space like a crawl space. It removes the dampness from the air, ensuring a cozy indoor environment, preventing mold and mildew, and strengthening your house’s integrity.
Although they are classified as low-maintenance devices, you still have to clean and maintain them regularly for optimal operation. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your crawl space dehumidifier:
Place it on a Right Spot
Proper placement of the device is important for it to perform optimally. The ideal place for a dehumidifier is an area devoid of blockage and allows unrestricted airflow. You must keep it at least a few inches away from walls or other objects to prevent overheating.
It is also suggested to keep the doors and windows closed during its operation to prevent external moisture from overworking the system.
Monitor the Humidistat Regularly
A humidistat regulates indoor humidity levels. You can set the desired humidity range on it, and the device will continue to work until the target humidity is achieved.
However, you should monitor the humidistat regularly so that the air does not become excessively dry. It is also important to set it at modest humidity levels; otherwise, the system will be forced to work too hard.
Keep the Vents and Grills Clean
When the dehumidifier takes in air, airborne particles like dirt accompany it. This dirt tends to stick to the grills, blocking the airflow and making the device less efficient.
If not cleaned, this build-up can damage the capacitor, making it useless. It is important that you check the grills and remove build-up regularly. You can use a damp cloth to remove the dirt and wipe it with a dry cloth to dry all the grills.
Replace Filter When Needed
Almost every dehumidifier comes with a filter to remove various airborne particles. The air passes through the filter, which traps these particles, allowing clean air to pass through the system. Eventually, the filter becomes clogged and is unable to capture anything anymore.
Check the filter of your device every once in a while, and when it seems full, replace it. Some dehumidifiers also feature washable filters. When they become dirty, you can wash and reuse them; there’s no need to buy new filters every time.
Check the Condenser for Ice Build-Up
This is especially important for devices that lack the auto-defrosting function. When the temperature drops, water tends to freeze on the cooling coils, causing the dehumidifier to freeze up. You should turn the device off when this happens and let the ice thaw before using it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crawl space dehumidifiers cost so much?
Although a crawl space is quite compact, the components and equipment it houses are quite sophisticated. This means it requires advanced engineering and technology to put it together.
Also, while they might have a small footprint, their capacity and operation are far more superior to their residential counterparts. Hence, a higher price tag is justified for such a machine.
How much power does a crawl space dehumidifier consume?
The US Department of Energy classifies dehumidifiers as ‘low electricity expenditure’ devices. This means they consume less energy than an air conditioner, a water heater, and even a hairdryer. Their energy consumption equals that of computers.
The average power consumption of a dehumidifying device amounts to about 280 Watts-hour.
Is pest control possible with a crawl space dehumidifier?
The humid conditions of a crawl space are quite attractive for pests like cockroaches, ants, and termites.
Using a reliable dehumidifier in your crawl space can help you ward off these pesky pests. It will prevent the moisture from accumulating inside the crawl space hence eliminating their source of attraction.
Final Verdict: What is the best Crawl Space Dehumidifier?
After carefully assessing all the different crawl space dehumidifier models in this guide, we conclude the DRI EAZ F413 Revolution LGR to be our top pick for a crawl space dehumidifier because of its all-around performance and large area coverage.
ALORAIR Storm LGR closely follows behind with its durable build and quality performance.
Aprilaire E100 is also a good choice mainly because of its Energy Star certification.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
